Hosted by: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns 
Prepared by: Laura Gaveika, Relationships and Projects - HPCE Aotearoa

Executive Summary

I recently had the privilege of joining a famil trip to Cairns, Queensland, hosted by Shangri-La The Marina. Alongside professional conference organisers (PCOs) from across Australia, I experienced first-hand the destination’s business event capabilities, cultural offerings, and unique incentive activities.

From snorkelling and reef restoration on the Great Barrier Reef to dining at some of Cairns’ leading restaurants, and touring event venues nestled in the rainforest, the famil demonstrated the region’s strong appeal for conferences and incentive travel. This report captures my key experiences, learnings, and reflections, as well as their implications for HPCE Aotearoa.

Introduction

As part of my role with HPCE Aotearoa, I was invited to participate in this famil trip. The program was designed not only to showcase Shangri-La The Marina’s facilities but also to highlight Cairns as a destination capable of delivering memorable and meaningful business events.

For me, the famil was an opportunity to evaluate Cairns through the lens of a professional conference organiser, while also connecting with peers and suppliers who play a role in shaping the trans-Tasman events industry.

Objectives

Going into the famil, I had several objectives in mind:

To assess Shangri-La The Marina’s facilities and hospitality for conferences and incentives.
To experience Cairns as a business events destination.
To build stronger connections with PCO colleagues from Australia.
To identify unique experiences that could add value for future event delegates.

Experience Highlights

Shangri-La The Marina

The Marina served as a comfortable and inspiring base for our trip. I was impressed by:

Event Facilities – modern, flexible, and complemented by stunning harbour views.
Accommodation – spacious rooms with thoughtful touches. I especially appreciated the surprise treats waiting after each excursion — a simple but impactful gesture that made me feel valued.
Dining – Cairns’ reputation for seafood shone through. Oysters, fresh fish, and bespoke dinners made each evening feel special.

Destination Experiences

The itinerary was both dynamic and immersive:

Great Barrier Reef – Snorkelling with Reef Magic was a highlight, but even more meaningful was helping with reef restoration, a unique and sustainable incentive experience.
Culinary Encounters – Lunch at NuNu in Palm Cove was exceptional, and enjoying margaritas at Mexicairns gave us a taste of the city’s vibrant food culture.
Wildlife Encounter - Meeting Milly the koala, a unique and memorable highlight that added to the sense of place.
Adventure Activities – The Sky Swing and Bungy at Skypark were adrenaline-fuelled and showcased Cairns’ appeal for incentive groups seeking excitement.
Cultural Venues – Touring the TANKS Arts Centre and gallery, hidden in the rainforest, demonstrated Cairns’ ability to offer event venues that are both distinctive and memorable.

Networking & Connections

Equally valuable were the professional relationships built throughout the trip. Spending time with other PCOs from Australia allowed me to share insights, discuss industry challenges, and explore collaboration opportunities. Meeting local suppliers also gave me a deeper appreciation of the strong ecosystem that supports Cairns as an events destination.

Key Learnings

Reflecting on the famil, I identified several takeaways:

Cairns offers a rare blend of professional infrastructure and natural beauty, making it highly appealing for both conferences and incentives.
Unique experiences — from reef restoration to rainforest venues — can provide delegates with lasting memories beyond the business program.
Shangri-La’s approach to personalised hospitality sets a benchmark. The VIP touches, tailored dining, and exceptional service would impress even the most discerning event guests.
Strengthening connections with PCOs across Australia opens pathways for trans-Tasman collaboration and shared opportunities.

Implications for HPCE Aotearoa

For HPCE Aotearoa, this famil reinforced the value Cairns could offer as a destination for future programs. It is a location that balances accessibility with authenticity, and its suppliers are well-equipped to support world-class events.

The experiences and connections gained during this famil will help me better advise clients, recommend Cairns as a viable option, and explore opportunities to collaborate more closely with trans-Tasman partners.

Conclusion

This famil trip to Cairns was both inspiring and professionally rewarding. Shangri-La The Marina impressed me with its facilities and hospitality, while the destination itself revealed a wealth of opportunities to design programs that are engaging, sustainable, and memorable.

I return to HPCE Aotearoa with fresh insights, stronger industry relationships, and a clear understanding of how Cairns could play an important role in future conference and incentive planning.

Famil Trip Case Study Report